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Applying for a Schengen visa is set to become significantly easier for Kazakh citizens، according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This development follows productive negotiations between Kazakhstan and the European Union aimed at streamlining the visa application process.

Phased Simplification of Visa Procedures

Aliya Bakayeva، a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs، detailed that the simplification will occur in two main phases. The first phase involves the mutual consideration of the 'readmission agreement' alongside visa applications. The European side plans to process and ratify these documents concurrently. Negotiations are anticipated to conclude in the latter half of the current year.

Clarifying Visa-Free Travel Misconceptions

Bakayeva emphasized that this initiative does not pertain to visa-free entry for Kazakh citizens into Schengen countries. Instead، the focus is on making the existing visa application process more accessible. "This is about simplifying the process of obtaining a Schengen visa. This is very important because sometimes completely different information circulates in the media،" Bakayeva stated.

Parliamentary Ratification and EU Member State Approval

The second phase will require ratification of the relevant agreement by the Parliament of Kazakhstan. Following this، all EU member states will need to provide their final approvals before the new procedures can be implemented.

Easier Documentation and Fee Considerations

Beyond the procedural changes، Bakayeva highlighted that the requirements for submitted documents will be adjusted to be more manageable. Discussions are also underway regarding multi-entry visas and potential reductions in visa fees. "The price of visa fees will also be considered، of course، we will try to reduce them. Therefore، the main parameters that interest Kazakh citizens will always be taken into account،" she added.

Previously، Kazakhstan and the EU had planned to sign an agreement to mutually ease visa requirements. The proposed measures included shortening application processing times، reducing the number of required documents، lowering visa fees، expanding opportunities for long-term multi-entry visas، and introducing categories for preferential treatment.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.